Glycerin in skincare
A water-soluble humectant, also known as glycerol.
What is glycerin?
A water-soluble humectant, also known as glycerol. On the ingredient list, you can find the name Glycerin. The dictionary uses both the common name and the INCI name, so you can compare the explanation with the packaging.
What does glycerin do for skin and the product?
Helps the stratum corneum attract and retain water.
Humectants work with water in the skin's stratum corneum. They are often combined with lipids that make the surface supple and limit moisture loss. These are different tasks within the same moisturising care.
Often found alongside emollient lipids. Glycerin is not an ingredient in Pure or Nature.
How to read the ingredient list
Look at the product's purpose and overall composition. Position on the list does not tell you the exact concentration used or how your skin will react. One substance can serve several purposes in the same product.
Questions about glycerin
What does glycerin do in skincare?
Helps the stratum corneum attract and retain water.
What should I know about glycerin?
Often found alongside emollient lipids. Glycerin is not an ingredient in Pure or Nature.
Related ingredients
About sources and ingredient names
The European Commission's CosIng database is a reference for cosmetic ingredient names and functions. An entry does not constitute approval of all uses or evidence of a particular product effect.
DermNet: functions of moisturising care · DermNet: cosmetic formulations